BROCKPORT, NY –The Empire 8 Conference announced on Monday, February 2nd, that freshman Pharell Aybar has been named the Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week. This marks the fourth time this season the Washington Heights, NY native has captured the conference's weekly freshman accolade.

Aybar acted as the engine for the Brockport offense throughout the weekend, providing the steady playmaking and high-intensity perimeter defense that have become his hallmarks. Over the two-game stretch, the freshman averaged 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, helping the Green and Gold navigate a high-stakes weekend at the Jim and John Vlogianitis Gymnasium.

The freshman's week began with a career performance against league-leading Russell Sage. Aybar turned in career-high 19 points against the Gators, showcasing his aggression by getting to the charity stripe where he shot a clinical 6-of-7. He paired his scoring output with four assists and two steals, nearly willing the Golden Eagles to an upset victory.

He followed that up by orchestrating the tempo in a dominant 81-63 victory over Hartwick College on Saturday. Aybar was the primary floor general all afternoon, tallying seven points and seven rebounds while dishing out three assists to fuel a second-half surge that saw Brockport outscore the Hawks by 19.

As the season enters the home stretch, Aybar has solidified his role as a backcourt anchor for the Green and Gold. His impact is felt across every category of the box score, providing the Golden Eagles with a reliable identity of high-energy defense and offensive facilitation. Through his first season in the Empire 8, Aybar's ability to balance scoring with playmaking has made him one of the most decorated newcomers in the conference.

Brockport will host SUNY Geneseo on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 7:30 PM, where Aybar and the Golden Eagles will look to carry their momentum forward and climb the Empire 8 standings.